The newly constructed Immaculate Conception of Blessed Virgin Mary Church at Gangolli was blessed by the Bishop of Udupi, Rt. Rev. Dr. Gerald I.Lobo on May 18, 2017. This was followed by the solemn Mass which was concelebrated by two bishops and several priests.
The Bishop of Udupi, Most Rev. Gerald I. Lobo and the Bishop of Gulbarga, Dr Robert Miranda, inaugurated the newly built Church by cutting the ribbon accompanied by V. Rev. Fr Anil D’Souza Dean of Kundapur Deanery, Rev. Fr Albert Crasta Parish Priest of Gangolli, a number of priests from the Udupi and Mangalore Diocese, religious men, women and the parishioners of Gangolli and neighbouring parishes.
In his homily, Bishop Robert Miranda highlighted the Old Testament history of building the ‘House of God’. He also emphasised the purification of the temple by Jesus by driving out the sellers and money changers. He pointed out how all this is very closely associated with the lives of the faithful today.
After the Mass, a public felicitation programme was held. Mr. Gopal Poojary MLA Byndoor released the Souvenir brought out on the occasion. Mr. Oscar Fernandes MP Rajya Sabha felicitated the donors on the occasion. Both of them recalled the contributions of Christians in various fields and highlighted Gangolli as a confluence of religious harmony.
Among those who were felicitated on the occasion were Fr Albert Crasta, Gerald Crasta and, Preethi Fernandes, and the formers Parish Priest of Gangolli, Fr Alponse D’lima.
MLC Ivan D’Souza, Fr Anil D’Souza, Dean Kundapur Deanery and Mr.M.M. Ibrahim Managing Director Quality Exports, Goa also spoke on the occasion.
Lavita Pinto and Owin Rebello compered the programme. Fellowship community meal was served to all those who attended the inaugural function.
